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Sunday, March 7, 2010

Today's poem - Percy and Books (Eight) by Mary Oliver

Percy and Books (Eight)

Percy does not like it when I read a book.He puts his face over the top of it and moans.He rolls his eyes, sometimes he sneezes.The sun is up, he says, and the wind is down.The tide is out and the neighbor's dogs are playing.But Percy, I say. Ideas! The elegance of language!The insights, the funniness, the beautiful storiesthat rise and fall and turn into strength, or courage.

Kay, I was so tickled to find the picture of her with a book and with Percy to put with the poem!

Kiirstin, I read recently that she is the best selling poet in the US. As she should be! I doubt you can stop at one book, Kiirstin - I think I have 5; plus a book of essays, and a photographic book done with the late Molly Malone Cook.

Lisa, Ben says thank you! I thought he looked quite handsome against the snow. Sadie had a blog header all to herself so now it is Ben's turn. :<) I was delighted to read all the Percy poems.

Pamela, I laughed when I read this. Wonderful!

Cait, I was so happy to find that picture! And yes, cats can be most persistent too. One of the things I enjoy about Hazel Holt's Mrs. Malory books are the cats and dogs - she has captured them beautifully.

Sherri, isn't it just wonderful! I've seen quite a few dogs who look like Ben - not sure what's in him; probably some Lab, maybe German Shepherd, who really knows? :<) I've read the term GBD -generic black dog. :<)

I love how the words flow, as if they spilled on the page, without effort. But I am sure they were carefully calculated and crafted, heard in the mind and envisioned on the page. And thank you so much, Nan, for sharing this, and for your kind comment on my own blog. Ann from England.

Now that I am a grandmother, it seems that I am often late in replying to your most-appreciated comments. But I read them as soon as they come in, and I will write as soon as I can. Please do come back and check. I love these blogging conversations. A little addendum - I've just spent quite a long time catching up with dear notes you left me months ago!! I do hope you can get back to read them. And I'm trying to be much more prompt now!

Also, you may comment on any post, no matter how old, and I will see it.